Italy berates France over expoitation of Africa

France has summoned Italy’s ambassador after the Italian deputy prime minister accused the French of exploiting Africa and fuelling migration. On Sunday, Luigi di Maio called on the European Union to impose sanctions on France for its policies in Africa. He said France had “never stopped colonising tens of African states”. Italy’s populist leadership has repeatedly clashed with France in recent months, on issues such as migration, protests and culture. As Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tried to soothe the row on Tuesday, highlighting the two countries’ “solid friendship”, right-wing Interior Minister Matteo Salvini appeared to intensify it, condemning France’s Emmanuel…